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Staggered Concrete Form With Natural Wood Integration in Urban Housing

Author:
Chae lin Kyoung
Staggered Concrete Form With Natural Wood Integration in Urban Housing

Project in-detail

With a staggered concrete facade and extensive use of natural wood elements, the design creates versatile urban housing that fosters community interaction while maximizing views and sunlight.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible unit configurations allow for easy adaptation to residents' needs.
02
Large, staggered windows enhance natural light and outdoor views.
03
Centrally located communal areas promote social interaction among residents.
04
The design integrates concrete for structural stability with warm wood finishes.
05
Strategically positioned to maximize connection with the adjacent park.

The Flexible Tower is a modern residential design located in Vancouver, aiming to provide adaptable housing options in an urban environment. Positioned next to a park, the design connects the living spaces with nature while making the most of the available views. Overall, the focus is on creating a modular living space that can accommodate a diverse community through flexible unit configurations.

Concept and Layout

The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing units to be added or removed based on residents' needs. Inside the tower, there are various types of units: one-person, couples without children, and families. This variety allows for accommodating a broad range of lifestyles common in urban areas. Open floor plans and large windows enhance natural light, promoting an airy and welcoming atmosphere.

Materiality

The choice of materials is important for both the structure and the overall feel of the spaces. Concrete serves as the main structural material, offering strength and stability. Inside, wood adds warmth and comfort, making each living space more inviting. Large glass windows provide clear views and fill the interiors with light, connecting residents to the outdoor environment. Painting on the exterior contributes to a unified appearance, helping the building fit well within its surroundings.

Community Engagement

The design supports social interaction through its communal areas. These shared spaces are strategically placed to be easily accessible, encouraging residents to come together. This layout promotes a sense of community, allowing for relationships to form among neighbors. The balance between private units and public areas is critical, offering places for both socializing and personal retreat.

Vertical Stacking

The vertical stacking of units creates visual diversity on the building's exterior while maintaining functional use of space. The staggered arrangement of the floors adds a pleasing dynamic to the overall silhouette without losing efficiency. Centrally located stairs and elevators enhance movement throughout the tower, ensuring that it remains easy to navigate. This thoughtful design not only addresses housing needs but also contributes positively to the urban landscape of Vancouver.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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